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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Friday, January 30, 2026

The former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested late Thursday night on charges that he violated federal law during a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minn., his lawyer said, in a case rejected last week by a magistrate judge.

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STATEMENT FROM ABBE LOWELL, ATTORNEY FOR DON LEMON

[image or embed]

-- Adam Parkhomenko (@adamparkhomenko.bsky.social) Jan 30, 2026 at 8:26 AM

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Admin's note: Participants in this discussion must follow the site's moderation policy. Profanity will be filtered. Abusive conduct is not allowed.

More: The protesters interrupted a service at the church, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as a pastor, and chanted "ICE out." Afterward, the Trump administration sought to charge eight people over the episode, including Mr. Lemon, citing a law that protects people seeking to participate in a service in a house of worship.

But the magistrate judge who reviewed the evidence approved charges against only three of the people, rejecting the evidence against Mr. Lemon and the others as insufficient. The Justice Department then petitioned a federal appeals court to force the judge to issue the additional warrants, only to be denied.

Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for Mr. Lemon, vowed to fight the charges.

"Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards," Mr. Lowell said in a statement on Friday. "Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done."

Mr. Lowell added, "This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court."

#1 | Posted by qcp at 2026-01-30 08:48 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

November is coming up and Donald is feeling the screws.

He has a lot of people he wants and needs to arrest.

An awful lot.

There's a List.

#2 | Posted by Zed at 2026-01-30 09:00 AM | Reply

Don Lemon is in heaven right now. LOL!

#3 | Posted by fortfisher at 2026-01-30 09:07 AM | Reply

via GIPHY

#4 | Posted by fortfisher at 2026-01-30 09:12 AM | Reply

So in about a month we'll be reading articles about yet another failure of DoJ to secure and indictment?

#5 | Posted by jpw at 2026-01-30 09:20 AM | Reply

Adam Parkhomenko
@adamparkhomenko.bsky.social
4m
So this administration has charged an independent Black journalist reporting in Minnesota but not two white agents who murdered two citizens

This is so typical for the racist-------------------.

#6 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-01-30 09:37 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

So in about a month we'll be reading articles about yet another failure of DoJ to secure and indictment?

#5 | Posted by jpw a

Or someone filing Habeas to find out where in the hell Lemon is?

#7 | Posted by Zed at 2026-01-30 09:40 AM | Reply

There is no legal basis (based on what's required by the cited law - use of force or threatening force) for this to proceed. It is, however, a required step in creating a fascist regime. Two journalists were arrested, plus a third one a week or so agom(WaPo). This is a pattern.

Expect a press conference later from the Trump admin crowing about this and threatening other journalists, indirectly, to watch their step. This corrupt administration has already created a fascist-friendly press pool to cover it. This admin has already threatened broadcaster's licenses.

#8 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 09:51 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

The article never once mentions them actually securing an indictment against Lemon.

#9 | Posted by qcp at 2026-01-30 09:52 AM | Reply

required step in creating entrenching and strengthening a fascist regime

#10 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 09:52 AM | Reply

The article never once mentions them actually securing an indictment against Lemon.

Excellent point. is this just state sponsored intimidation with no basis, implemented by a lawless regime? The same lawless regime that seized voting records in GA that are sealed by a judge's order?

I have no idea how he is legally being held in jail, but he's in jail along with another journalist that was also at this protest.

RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES.

#11 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 09:57 AM | Reply

The article never once mentions them actually securing an indictment against Lemon.

The Federal Judge basically directed prosecutors to seek a grand jury indictment.

A source familiar with the matter said a grand jury was empaneled Thursday. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, a law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security, were involved in the arrest, sources say.
www.cbsnews.com

#12 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-01-30 10:13 AM | Reply

I have no idea how he is legally being held in jail, but he's in jail along with another journalist that was also at this protest.

He should be in jail, he materially supported the protestors.
Not sure, but just having popularity and a camera doesn't make you a journalist.

There's no first amendment right to plan and break up a religious ceremony. Otherwise you give MAGAts the ability to break up Muslim prayer.

"Oh but I am a journalist ... " ... BS.

Do you guys even think about ramifications?

#13 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-01-30 10:16 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

Runt, your child-raping hero has 34 felony convictions.

#14 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-01-30 10:18 AM | Reply

The free speech bros must be so angry! Unless the free speech bros were lying and only ever cared about themselves

#15 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2026-01-30 10:26 AM | Reply

#13 | Posted by oneironaut

"He should be in jail, he materially supported the protestors."

Tell us how.

"Not sure, but just having popularity and a camera doesn't make you a journalist."

Unless you want to break into daycares and film children, right?

#16 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-01-30 10:31 AM | Reply

#13

It's trespassing. Trump likes a circus.

Did John Miller become an Al Qaeda member when he interviewed bin Laden in a cave in 1998?

No. Don Lemon did the same thing Miller did. He committed an act of journalism.

Do you guys ever think about precedent? History?

As Confucius said: "Soggy rice no taste nice!"

#17 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2026-01-30 10:35 AM | Reply

The free speech bros must be so angry! Unless the free speech bros were lying and only ever cared about themselves

Remember those who used to tell you about a group of villains protecting powerful pedophiles and trying to take away American's freedoms, including their right to bear arms?

Well, THEY are the ones who today are protecting powerful pedophiles and trying to take away American's freedoms including their right to bear arms.

- Pedro X Molina

#18 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 10:44 AM | Reply

So-called journalists entered the Capitol on J6.

#19 | Posted by Petrous at 2026-01-30 10:44 AM | Reply

Do you guys even think about ramifications?

#13 | Posted by oneironaut

About as often as you meditate on what a dripping piece of green snot you are.

#20 | Posted by Zed at 2026-01-30 11:37 AM | Reply

Free speech isn't a get out of jail free card. If so-called journalists violate, say, the FACE Act they are still potentially liable to be prosecuted and hiding behind their journalist label won't protect them from being charged. Now, in trial if the defense can make a plausible case that he was acting in the role of journalist he probably won't be convicted.

#21 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-30 11:37 AM | Reply

" So-called journalists entered the Capitol on J6.

#19 | POSTED BY PETROUS AT 2026-01-30 10:44 AM | FLAG: "

Bears repeating.

#22 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-30 11:38 AM | Reply

" Did John Miller become an Al Qaeda member when he interviewed bin Laden in a cave in 1998?

No. Don Lemon did the same thing Miller did. He committed an act of journalism."

That's an apples/pumpkins comparison.

#23 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-30 11:39 AM | Reply

" Unless you want to break into daycares and film children, right?

#16 | POSTED BY SYCOPHANT AT 2026-01-30 10:31 AM | REPLY | FLAG"

You sure do suck at equivalencies.

#24 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-30 11:40 AM | Reply

Free speech isn't a get out of jail free card.

#21 | Posted by BellRinger

Well, of course---You support Lemon's arrest. Even though he has already been cut legally loose.

Free speech is threatened by people like you.

#25 | Posted by Zed at 2026-01-30 11:44 AM | Reply

Yav,

Question: do you regard James O'Keefe and Nick Shirley as journalists?

#26 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-30 11:47 AM | Reply

" Well, of course---You support Lemon's arrest. Even though he has already been cut legally loose."

By a lower court. The DOJ either got a grand jury indictment (unlikely) or some other higher level judge to issue a probable cause warrant. The fact that he was arrested at night (probably resulting in an overnight in the clink) and publicly is spiteful as hell and right out of the Biden DOJ handbook. Presumably we will find out today how they obtained an arrest warrant.

#27 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-30 11:56 AM | Reply

Presumably we will find out today how they obtained an arrest warrant.

#27 | Posted by BellRinger

Yeah, well....

Keep on presuming. It's what you're good at.

#28 | Posted by Zed at 2026-01-30 12:00 PM | Reply

" Keep on presuming. It's what you're good at.

#28 | POSTED BY ZED AT 2026-01-30 12:00 PM | FLAG: "

Lemon is being represented by Abbe Lowell, a very well known counselor. In the absence of a grand jury indictment or a probable cause warrant, this arrest would BL blasted into the stratosphere already.

#29 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-30 12:11 PM | Reply

the FACE Act
As I said in #8, Lemon didn't violate the FACE Act.

Question: do you regard James O'Keefe and Nick Shirley as journalists?
Lemon has a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Jame O'Keefe does not. He has a degree in philosophy. He went to law school for a year and dropped out.
Nick Shirley (who I know nothing about) appears to have no degree in journalism. He has no degree at all, except from high school.

I do not consider either O'Keefe or Shirley, nor have I ever considered O'Keefe, journalists.

There is no doubt Don Lemon is a journalist.

Why do you ask?

#30 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 12:39 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Remember when Trump called the free press the Enemy Of The State?
Here we are.

Congratulations, Republicans.
You Built That!

#31 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 12:47 PM | Reply

#29 | Posted by BellRinger

Everything flies completely over your head.

The only one who thinks Donald Trump wants to or will follow the law is you.

Don Lemon is another martyr for freedom. Thank God he's not dead yet.

#32 | Posted by Zed at 2026-01-30 12:47 PM | Reply

The fact that he was arrested at night (probably resulting in an overnight in the clink) and publicly is spiteful as hell and right out of the Biden DOJ handbook.
#27 | Posted by BellRinger

You're saying President Biden invented arresting people in public after sundown.
You're actually saying that.

Biden invented Sundown Towns.
That's what you believe.

#33 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 12:53 PM | Reply

Presumably we will find out today how they obtained an arrest warrant.

#27 | Posted by BellRinger

If the past is prologue then presumably it was along the lines of: "Issue an arrest warrant immediately or find another job."

#34 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-01-30 01:01 PM | Reply

"it is a lesson for the IRS not to be weaponized"

Because only the Mad King is allowed to do that?

Trumpy plans to make it easier for the IRS Criminal Investigation division to launch inquiries into left-leaning organizations and Democratic donors, with a specific list of potential targets including billionaire George Soros.

Trumpy has pursued a plan to share sensitive tax data, specifically the addresses of around 700,000 undocumented immigrants, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for potential deportation purposes.

The Trumpy administration has also reportedly threatened the tax-exempt status of institutions like Harvard University, an action critics argue is an attempt to use the IRS to punish perceived political enemies.

The more you know ...

#35 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-01-30 01:08 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"it is a lesson for the IRS not to be weaponized"

That poster is, as all MAGATs, Perpetual Victims, even is its solely from their own fevered imaginations. Without feeling persecuted, their lives would have no meaning.

#36 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 01:13 PM | Reply

#35 - as always - accuse the Democrats of what you are planning.

#37 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 01:14 PM | Reply

Arrested for what?

Reporting on group of people protesting a Nazi pastor?

Republicans have fully embraced authoritarianism.

All so a fat orange pedophile can loot America and avoid the consequences of his actions.

Don Lemon is guilty of being Black in America.

#38 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-01-30 01:29 PM | Reply

Politics is rough.

After everything Trump has faced, it's no surprise he'd push back when he can. My view is political, not personal loyalty.

Don Lemon says he was just reporting, but when a journalist moves into opinion and apparent protest involvement inside a church, it weakens his defense. Prosecutors argue that FACE laws were violated.

That's Lemon's mistake.

#39 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 01:33 PM | Reply

My view is political, not personal loyalty.
#39 | POSTED BY BULLJOHNSON

When you post obvious lies like this, do you actually believe you're fooling anyone int believing you?

Go wipe Trump's ------ off your chin, whore.

#40 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-01-30 01:35 PM | Reply

Clown,

"When you post obvious lies like this, do you actually believe you're fooling anyone int believing you?"

You live in a culture of lies.

Its no wonder thats the first thing you'd think.

#41 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 01:48 PM | Reply

"You live in a culture of lies."

Don't we all? Fox News sued and won for their Right To Lie.

Your culture is vague, unsubstantiated, baseless accusations. In Jesus Name, Amen.

#42 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 01:51 PM | Reply

"You live in a culture of lies."

www.youtube.com

#43 | Posted by eberly at 2026-01-30 01:55 PM | Reply

Snoofy,

As if you actually watch Fox.

You'd be surprised how often I hear real legitimate stories and news I don't hear elsewhere.

Then I watch as little of CNN and it's anti-Trump propaganda.

Keep telling yourself that.

#44 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 02:06 PM | Reply

"You'd be surprised how often I hear real legitimate stories and news I don't hear elsewhere"

Riiiiiiight.

And Haitians were eating domesticated animals.

#45 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-01-30 02:32 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

"As if you actually watch Fox."

I don't watch TV "news" at all. Maybe some sports. Star Trek reruns. Whatever old western is on Grit.

"You'd be surprised how often I hear real legitimate stories and news I don't hear elsewhere."

No, I wouldn't. I get those posted on my Facebook feed from the scared old white men I know.

#46 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 03:19 PM | Reply

44

First step, admit you have a problem. Watching TV news. Just stop.

I quit watching TV news probably 20 years ago. I just can't stand some talking head preaching at me.

#47 | Posted by et_al at 2026-01-30 03:20 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

It's adorable watching you all talk to BullJohnson like he's a reasonable human being and not just another braindead deplorable Trumping MAGA fascist.

#48 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-01-30 03:57 PM | Reply

Don Lemon reported on a protest and has been arrested.

Meanwhile, anyone know where the men responsible for murdering Reene Good and Alex Pretti are?

Deplorable Trumping MAGA fascists have forever scarred this nation.

#49 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-01-30 04:03 PM | Reply

Prosecutors argue that FACE laws were violated.

That's Lemon's mistake.

Thanks for giving us all an example of fccked up your reasoning is, and your trusted sources are.
I understand well in advance how you are clueless about what I just said.

#50 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 04:38 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"Prosecutors argue that FACE laws were violated."

^
Dumbest ---- I've ever heard from this administration in the past five minutes.

#51 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 04:40 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

If the same number of MAGA hat agitators barged into a mosque or a PP facility with Andy angus in tow and behaved identically the reaction from the MSM would be nearly 180 degrees opposite as to what we have been seeing with this.

#52 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-30 04:49 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Politics is rough.
After everything Trump has faced, it's no surprise he'd push back when he can.

---- you, Bill.

#53 | Posted by jpw at 2026-01-30 04:53 PM | Reply

If the same number of MAGA hat agitators barged into a mosque

Nothing would happen.

Less would happen than happened at the capitol building where thousands of irate MAGA hatted insurrectionists waved Trump flags and assaulted the building.

Shut up you pathetic loser.

#54 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-01-30 05:07 PM | Reply

If the same number of MAGA hat agitators barged into a mosque
#52 | Posted by BellRinger

If that were to happen, there's no way MAGA wouldn't smash things up and smear poop on the walls.

Most likely outcome is MAGA just guns everybody down.
Like when a MAGA attacked a Mormon Church in Minnesota last summer, don't you remember?
en.wikipedia.org

#55 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 05:14 PM | Reply

Snoofy,

I watch and read different political angles.

I can tell you there is oftentimes important news stories on Fox I never see elsewhere.

That's what ive seen.

Nothing to be argued about. Thats just something ive seen.

#56 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 05:37 PM | Reply

"the reaction from the MSM"

Are we still pretending that Fox isn't MSM?

#57 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-01-30 05:44 PM | Reply

"I can tell you there is oftentimes important news stories on Fox I never see elsewhere."

"important"

Run one past me.

#58 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 06:00 PM | Reply

I can tell you there is oftentimes important news stories on Fox I never see elsewhere.

so "Important" it preempts actual factual and relevant news.

#59 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 06:03 PM | Reply

The fact that he was arrested by ICE and not federal Marshalls makes the arrest very gestapo-ish.

#60 | Posted by fresno500 at 2026-01-30 06:44 PM | Reply

"the arrest very gestapo-ish."

That's a feature, not a bug.

#61 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 06:53 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

The article never once mentions them actually securing an indictment against Lemon.

#9 | Posted by qcp

It's a bad article.

#62 | Posted by john_savage1 at 2026-01-30 07:03 PM | Reply

> The DOJ either got a grand jury indictment

There's not an 'either'. How do libs think he was arrested without an indictment?
It's not a secret.

James Blair
@JamesBlairUSA
Any "news" outlet failing to make clear in their headline that Don Lemon was indicted by a federal grand jury is intentionally misleading the public.

#63 | Posted by john_savage1 at 2026-01-30 07:10 PM | Reply

Here:

US leftoid "journalist" fired from nighttime cable gig now seeking relevance as independent podcaster/streamer. He "reported" on leftist mob barging into church disrupting worshippers but was part of incitement to go in. He's been arrested and will likely be made an example of. He'd also be the first one screaming if Christians did this to Muslims even though latter would throw him off a building.

#64 | Posted by john_savage1 at 2026-01-30 07:16 PM | Reply

The fact that he was arrested by ICE and not federal Marshalls makes the arrest very gestapo-ish.

#60 | POSTED BY FRESNO500 AT 2026-01-30 06:44 PM | FLAG:

Racist ----

#65 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2026-01-30 07:19 PM | Reply

The transphobe speaks.

#66 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-01-30 07:20 PM | Reply

Tell us how.

He coordinated with them, he knew where they were going and what they were going to do.

He stopped his "stream" so they could mention what they were doing, then he rode along with them knowing they would commit a crime.
He entered the facility when asked to leave and tried to interview the pastor, he was actively participating in the crime..

This is no different than J6 "journalist" being arrested for standing outside the capital reporting.

He'd also be the first one screaming if Christians did this to Muslims even though latter would throw him off a building.
#64 | POSTED BY JOHN_SAVAGE1

This is how ------- stupid Lemon's defenders are... .just ------- idiots.

Wait until NickS goes in to a mosque and disturbs their service in the name of "journalism".


#67 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-01-30 07:33 PM | Reply


That's a feature, not a bug.
#61 | POSTED BY SNOOFY A

You literally wouldn't know the difference.

#68 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-01-30 07:33 PM | Reply

This is a violation of the FACE act, which prohibits the use of force, threat of force, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone obtaining or providing reproductive health services, or exercising their right to religious freedom at a place of worship.
This was also a violation of the KKK Act, which makes it a federal crime to conspire to deprive others of their constitutional rights (free exercise of religion).
So even if Don Lemon wasn't actively directly involved in the intimidation of church goers, the video he was livestreaming before they went to the church makes it clear that he was definitely part of the group and involved in the planning and preparation beforehand. Being part of the conspiracy means that he is just as culpable for the crimes committed by the others in furtherance of that conspiracy, even if he wasn't directly involved.

#69 | Posted by john_savage1 at 2026-01-30 07:36 PM | Reply

Snoofy,

"Run one past me"

Don't care to convince you.

And it's not because I'm lying.

Just simply you aren't important.

#70 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 07:42 PM | Reply

This is so similar to the James and Comey arrests.

Some of you will do backflips to try to make the point this arrest is legit. Sure, you can twist the law to fit a lot of instances. Two judges shot it down. Finally, they used a grand jury.

Much like the James and Comey cases, this will get cut loose.

Lemon is literally in the church, heard saying "I am here as a reporter". In fact, that is what he is.

The bigger picture is, Trump keeps losing ground as November looms.

#71 | Posted by brass30 at 2026-01-30 07:56 PM | Reply

interfering with people's right to peacefully assembly and right to worship.

the dumb bastard gave us his "i'm a journalist" BS when he sided with the a-wholes

#72 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-01-30 07:57 PM | Reply

just like the dem humps lying media gave up their credibility when they chose sides.

NEVER EVER NEVER to be believed again.......no matte who "approves" the sources.

#73 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-01-30 07:59 PM | Reply

Stupid lemons actions were so poorly times that I'm wondering if he's not a republican plant.

#74 | Posted by Tor at 2026-01-30 08:06 PM | Reply

breaking news........TEENAGE GIRL ABDUCTED IN EL PASO TEXAS.

hopefully for "you people" it was by an illegal...

that way "you people" won't have to give a GD F / G ...chit about her being raped

and murdered.

most likely the first reports will be that it's a white male with a red hat on....as usual.

then we'll find out it was a female black trans with a nose ring.

#75 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-01-30 08:10 PM | Reply

Lemon Scent Dawn is a national treasure.

Trump really crossed a line here.

#76 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 08:25 PM | Reply

Don't care to convince you.

I'm calling your bluff
You ain't principled, you just performin'
One fact and you run to the fence
You're hollerin' loud
But it's talking points you been borrowin'
And all that you need is
Just a shred of good sense

#77 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 08:36 PM | Reply

EXPERTS WARN OF SLIPPERY SLOPE IN WAKE OF LEMON'S ARREST.

xperts Warn Arresting Journalists Could Be Slippery Slope To Arresting Politicians And Other People Who Deserve It

What's next? We start rounding up undocumented migrants or arresting people for murder and rape?" Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said. "Welcome to Trump's America!"

n response to the current unrest in the country, former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton published an op-ed in the New York Times discrediting all laws she doesn't like. "I have long held that no one is above the law except for me," she wrote, "but that might be changing, and it's an utter disgrace. It's not what our founders intended."

#78 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-01-30 08:53 PM | Reply

CHILLING

---if they can arrest Lemon for something as simple as breaking the law..

imagine what they can do to you !!!

#79 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-01-30 08:55 PM | Reply

Lemon is literally in the church, heard saying "I am here as a reporter".

Lemon literally saying "after we do this operation"
x.com

#80 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-01-30 09:06 PM | Reply


Trump really crossed a line here.
#76 | POSTED BY SNOOFY

Biden should have educated you, but you couldn't "see" it. You're blinded by your partisanship.

Stephen Horn was a credentialed journalist on 1/6.
The Judge in his case -- he went to trial -- didn't let that evidence in because it was "irrelevant" to whether his conduct was illegal.

Seems like if we're going to use the same measure, its not important if Don Lemon was a "journalist".

#81 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-01-30 09:07 PM | Reply

Lemon literally saying "after we do this operation"
x.com
#80 | Posted by oneironaut
Stephen Horn was a credentialed journalist on 1/6.
The Judge in his case -- he went to trial -- didn't let that evidence in because it was "irrelevant" to whether his conduct was illegal.
Seems like if we're going to use the same measure, its not important if Don Lemon was a "journalist".
#81 | Posted by oneironaut

"After we do this operation, you'll see it live."

It sounds to me like the "we" he is referring to is himself, his camera man and others on his produciton crew. Contrast that with the Stephen Horn's actions on 1/6:

FBI agents say Horn walked over a fence on the ground with a "No trespassing" sign before walking into the Capitol building during the attack and making his way to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office.

Horn can be heard in the video chanting "U.S.A." with others in the Capitol building, according to the FBI.

spectrumlocalnews.com

#82 | Posted by Gal_Tuesday at 2026-01-30 09:14 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Lemon is literally in the church, heard saying "I am here as a reporter".

Lemon literally saying "after we do this operation"
x.com

#80 | Posted by oneironaut

These people don't care about little girls raped and murdered....why would they care about

the rule of law..

HE WAS TRESPASSING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.....along with the other disgusting GD a-wholes...

and people are guaranteed the right to worship without some dick loving

fired employee of CNN rushing in with the a-wholes.

#83 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-01-30 09:24 PM | Reply

It's possible that Lemon didn't know in advance the operation he was covering was going to involve barging inside the church during a service, but it was really poor judgement call on his part to follow them inside.

#84 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-01-30 09:36 PM | Reply

"follow them inside."

That's illegal?
I didn't realize churches weren't generally open to the public, and merely entering one is grounds to be charged with a Federal offense.
I've walked into countless churches in my life, through an unlocked door, without any kind of "No Trespassing" sign.
I don't think I was committing a crime.

#85 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 09:57 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

re: #74 Tor

I agree with the poor timing, but right wing propaganda outlets will find and make up literally anything to distract from the actual bad things Trump and his goons are doing and have done. And MAGAs will lap it up, like their braindead rabid fervor with Somalis

#86 | Posted by hamburglar at 2026-01-30 10:03 PM | Reply

Snoofy,

"I didn't realize churches weren't generally open to the public"

How many times do you need to see "FACE" before anything sinks in?

#87 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 10:25 PM | Reply

Shrimp,

Hey...did you need to include a gay insult running down Lemon?

Just don't include that when you attack Lemon.

Yea...he even managed to be too sleazy for CNN.

Leave the gay stuff out.

#88 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 10:34 PM | Reply

I told you so

America should have taken my advice and had Piggy arrested on January 21, 2021, flown to Gitmo and subjected to a drum head trial and subjected him to the fate all traitors deserve.

Biden could have then dared the republicans to do anything about it.

He should have then stripped Barret, Kavanaugh and Gorsuch from the court and replaced them with 3 new Justices

And dared republicans to do anything about it

Piggy had negligible if any legislative achievements from 2017 to 2021 so there would be little to get rid of there

Biden then could have gone before the nation and said

"I did this for the benefit of the country. Piggy had numerous co-conspirators including many in Congress. If they pursue Impeachment I will throw their asses in Gitmo. If they don't I will not seek re-election in 2024."

Instead our nation is dying a swift death

Thanks magat scum.

Debate the indefensible while masked federal goons gun us down in the streets, journalists are arrested over bullshit, Piggy violates a state's sovereignty over elections, ignores an attack on a Congressman, seemingly tries to kill the 2nd Amendment, terrorizes a US city and sues the government for $10 Billion.

And that was literally just some of the stuff from the past week.

The week before he nearly started a war with NATO and stole Venezuelan's natural resources and killed some people, for the shits and giggles.

#89 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-01-30 10:47 PM | Reply

FACE "prohibits the use of force, threats of force, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere"

When did Don Lemon do that?

#90 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 10:48 PM | Reply

Snoofy,

"When did Don Lemon do that?"

Nothing you paid any attention to, I'm sure.

You have teeny tiny tunnel vision.

#91 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 11:01 PM | Reply

#91 - you're ignorant and a liar, BillJohnson. Or you're ignorant and stupid. Two judges threw this out before DOJ in a vindictive prosecution went around both the judges and convened a grand jury so they could do this. This isn't going to get any conviction. There is no violation of FACE.

This was done 100% to intimidate all journalists. All you have to do is look at the timeline and failures of the DOJ.

I'm serious - how can you be this dumb? How can you ignore reality so completely?

#92 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 11:12 PM | Reply

Nothing you paid any attention to, I'm sure.

You gonna post what he did that violates the FACE Act or give us your
"Don't care to convince you.
And it's not because I'm lying.
Just simply you aren't important."

bullshht?

#93 | Posted by YAV at 2026-01-30 11:15 PM | Reply

Yav,

Nope...you're information is incomplete.

#94 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-01-30 11:28 PM | Reply

"follow them inside."

News reporters going to where the news is happening?!?

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

#95 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-01-30 11:30 PM | Reply

Nope...you're information is incomplete.
#94 | Posted by BillJohnson

Then complete it. Educate us.
Too much to ask?

#96 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 11:33 PM | Reply

"This was done 100% to intimidate all journalists."

And all black people.

It's a twofer.

#97 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 11:35 PM | Reply

"News reporters going to where the news is happening?!?"

Where do you draw the line? If a group of protesters decide to rob a bank, should a reporter just tag along, or should they take a step back once they realize something illegal is going on? How about if they're storming a restricted government area?

#98 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-01-30 11:37 PM | Reply

"After we do this operation

Ah yes, spoken/written like a true trial lawyer.

Thanks, Gal for the actual context: ""After we do this operation, you'll see it live."

#99 | Posted by brass30 at 2026-01-30 11:38 PM | Reply

"(your) information is incomplete."

Do you have any proof Lemon conspired with the protestors? If so, I'll agree he crossed the line.

But if he was merely tipped off, and followed the group in, that's allowed.

I'd also agree Lemon crossed the line if he conducted himself as a partisan. Instead, he sought interviews with protestors and congregants alike, without inserting advocacy or diatribes.

If anyone has footage contradicting my points, please post them.

#100 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-01-30 11:41 PM | Reply

Where do you draw the line? If a group of protesters decide to rob a bank, should a reporter just tag along, or should they take a step back once they realize something illegal is going on?

Pretty good question.

How about if ICE is murdering an American citizen?

#101 | Posted by brass30 at 2026-01-30 11:43 PM | Reply

"If a group of protesters decide to rob a bank, should a reporter just tag along, or should they take a step back once they realize something illegal is going on?"

I'd say there's a magnitude of difference between robbing a bank, and disrupting a Sunday service, wouldn't you?

Any better comparisons?

#102 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-01-30 11:44 PM | Reply

Who knew churches were private property!!???

#103 | Posted by brass30 at 2026-01-30 11:46 PM | Reply

"Where do you draw the line?"

Putting your, or someone else's safety at risk.

Participating in a bank robbery can get you shot. Interrupting a religious service can get you tossed out before you get the blessing.

#104 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-01-30 11:47 PM | Reply

"If a group of protesters decide to rob a bank"

They would then be a group of bank robbers.

#105 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 11:47 PM | Reply

"Where do you draw the line?"

Not where Putin draws it, where the Pussy Riot members got two years in Gulag for interrupting a religious service.

Where do you draw it? Same as Putin?

#106 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 11:50 PM | Reply

Danforth with many relevant points on Lemon's behavior.

Again, Trump's DOJ going after individuals based on politics instead of the law of the land.

Think if a FOX reporter was in that church, he'd be arrested?

#107 | Posted by brass30 at 2026-01-30 11:51 PM | Reply

More context:

"These are resistance protesters that are planning an operation that we're gonna follow them on. I can't tell you exactly what they're doing, but it's called Operation Pull-Up, and it's Nekima Armstrong, and she has been doing this since George Floyd, Dante Wright, and others, where they surprise people, catch them off-guard, and hold them to account. So that's what we're doing here, and then after that, after we do this operation, you'll see it live. These operations are surprise operations, again I can't tell you where..."

x.com

#108 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-01-30 11:51 PM | Reply

"How about if they're storming a restricted government area?"

NY Times had a reporter follow J6'ers onto the floor of the House (or was it the Senate).
I don't believe that reporter was charged with anything.

Was that bad? Should the reporter have been charged?

#109 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 11:51 PM | Reply

"More context"

Telling somebody else what you're going to do doesn't make them an accessory.

#110 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-30 11:52 PM | Reply

Shrimp,
Hey...did you need to include a gay insult running down Lemon?
Just don't include that when you attack Lemon.
Yea...he even managed to be too sleazy for CNN.
Leave the gay stuff out.
#88 | Posted by BillJohnson

BJ schooling Babbles on DR etiquette. Where's that "ridiculous" flag?

If you want to talk about journalists trespassing where they really didn't belong, I refer you to Geraldo Rivera's unannounced walk-in at the Willowbrook mental institution in New York in the early 70s. Made his rep, which he later rightfully lost, but it was balls-y as hell and had a great positive impact on mental health treatment in this country, even if Reagan used it to ramp up US homelessness later on.

#111 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2026-01-31 12:15 AM | Reply

Now do abortion clinics or if your really brave interrupt up a service at a mosque.

#112 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-01-31 12:16 AM | Reply

"How about if ICE is murdering an American citizen?"

Suppose a reporter gets a tip that ICE is planning to murder someone. Should they just tag along so they can cover the reactions, not warning anyone in advance?

#113 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-01-31 12:39 AM | Reply

*** Florida Gubernatorial Candidate: Don Lemon Should be Publicly Executed ***

Link: x.com

#114 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-01-31 12:55 AM | Reply

interrupt up a service at a mosque.
#112 | Posted by visitor_

Why not a church?
Asking for Dylan Roof.

#115 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-31 01:01 AM | Reply

"Suppose a reporter gets a tip that ICE is planning to murder someone."

You seem to be willing to discuss anything but the actual topic.

#116 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-01-31 01:02 AM | Reply

"Don has been a journalist for 30 years"

Now that's just funny as hell right there.....I don't care who you are!

A journalist....ROFL

#117 | Posted by Javelin at 2026-01-31 01:33 AM | Reply

For those of you who have the time, here is a legal breakdown of the charges against Lemon based upon what is known thus far.

" A Deep Dive into the Lemon Indictment: Are Lemon's First Amendment Rights Being (Unlawfully) Squeezed?"

twitchy.com

#118 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-01-31 01:47 AM | Reply

Don Lemon is arrested for being black in America, while the people who executed Renee Good and Alex Pretti are being protected.

All of this to distract from the fact Trump raped children.

#119 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-01-31 02:26 AM | Reply

@nerd.speech

The Trump administration didn't just arrest Don Lemon. They arrested Don Lemon after two judges refused to sign an arrest warrant due to a lack of evidence. That's an important detail to remember.

#120 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-01-31 03:05 AM | Reply

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